Arsenal have received a significant fitness boost ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, with right-back Jurrien Timber potentially available for selection.
Timber Returns to Training
The 24-year-old Dutch international has successfully completed his first full training session with the first team since suffering a groin injury during a 2-0 win over Everton on 14 March. That setback has kept him sidelined for 70 days, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a difficult decision regarding his match fitness.
Timber is widely regarded as one of the best athletes in the Arsenal squad. After returning to individual training on Tuesday, he passed various fitness tests and rejoined team training on Wednesday without any issues.
Defensive Need
Arsenal have a particular need at right-back, as Ben White sustained a significant medial ligament injury in the 1-0 victory over West Ham United, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup. The position is especially crucial given that PSG's Kvicha Kvaratshkelia, currently in outstanding form, operates on that flank.
Until now, the plan had been to deploy centre-half Cristhian Mosquera at right-back. However, Timber's potential availability gives Arteta more options, even if the defender is only used for a limited period, such as the final 30 minutes.
Timber was also named in the Netherlands squad for next month's World Cup on Wednesday, further highlighting his recovery.
